Screener and access
- 1. WIDAScreener & WIDAACCESS WIDA Screener is the first test that English Language Learners take. WIDA ACCESS is the test that all ELL students take in January. Both of these tests help the EL department identify each student’s abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- 2. WIDA Screener Overview The WIDA Screener is for new students All ELL students take WIDA ACCESS in January. Your English Learner Plan (covered in more detail later) is based off the scores earned on the WIDA Screener andWIDA ACCESS. TheWIDA Screener andWIDA ACCESS tests are in the following order: 1. Listening 2. Reading 3. Speaking 4. Writing
- 3. The Listening and ReadingTests The ListeningTest and ReadingTests both contain multiple-choice questions organized by theme As you answer questions correctly, it gives you more advanced questions and tasks If you answer multiple questions incorrectly, then it gives less difficult questions and tasks The EL department uses this information and your scores to determine how easily you understand what you listen to and read in English, so it is important to do your best on these tests to show your real skills.
- 4. TheSpeaking andWritingTests In the Speaking andWriting test, students have to demonstrate their speaking and writing ability. During the SpeakingTest, students speak into a microphone and the responses are recorded by the computer. During theWritingTest, students type their responses and these responses are recorded by the computer. Your responses are then scored by a person in the EL department. The tasks you will see for both Speaking andWriting are determined by how well you do on the Listening and Reading tests.
- 5. Scores range between 1 and 6. Six is the highest score available.
- 7. Your objective is to raise your score each year you are withGOAL High School. Eventually, you want to test out of the EL program by becoming fluent in English and your native language. The Bilingual Resource course is designed to help you raise your scores on all EL tests. You can also come into the site closest to you to practice speaking and listening in groups with your peers. Most GOAL students are great at social English, but many struggle when talking about ideas using academic language. It is also important to practice reading and writing academic language. Your pod leaders and EL teacher can help you gain confidence in your English speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities.